Rusty-barred owl

The rusty-barred owl (Strix hylophila) is a species of owl distributed mainly in the south of Brazil (where it is known as the Brazilian owl)[2] and further inland to Paraguay and the extreme northeast of Argentina.[3] The rusty-barred owl is one of only a few members of the genus Strix to be found in South America.[3] It is elusive and probably quite rare, and as a result has been little studied. The classification in Strix is therefore probably only temporary, until more information can be gathered on the nature of the owl.

Rusty-barred owl
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Strigiformes
Family:	Strigidae
Genus:	Strix
Species:	S. hylophila
Binomial name
Strix hylophila Temminck, 1825

They are medium-sized owls, 33 to 38 centimetres (13 to 15 in) long, and weighing 285 to 340 grams (10.1 to 12.0 oz). Their body and breast are rust-coloured, and they have a brown barring, hence their common name. They have dark eyes set in a rusty coloured heads. They also have a pale buff barring their upper parts.[4] The rusty-barred owl's call is a very deep grunt, similar to that of a frog.[4]

The rusty-barred owl feeds primarily on insects, voles, mice, and has been known to eat small birds occasionally,[3] as well as certain reptiles.[4] They prefer to inhabit areas of dense forest or woodland, where they live in the undergrowth.[4] Because of deforestation throughout their range, this bird could be at risk, and is therefore classified as "Near Threatened" by the IUCN.[1]

The breeding season for the rusty-barred owl is between the months of August and October. It nests in a tree hole. The incubation period is 29 days on average. The young leave the nest five weeks after birth, and become fully independent at approximately four months.[4]